Question about VMX shells

[yohin]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I don't have a Pearl drum set but I'm thinking about getting a Vision VMX. I know the shells are made of maple, but I was wondering if they are Asian maple or North American maple like the Masters? Because I have noticed the VMX shell packs are considerably more expensive than intermediate maple drum sets from other companies, so I was wondering if this is why.

Also, what kind of hoops does the VMX come with? I have heard they're 1.6 mm flanged hoops, but it doesn't say directly on Pearl's site.

Thanks.

[StoneChaser]

They're NA maple from what I understand, and they have 1.6mm triple flanged hoops.

Easy to upgrade to Opti Mounts and 2.3mm hoops though.

As for an intermediate kit....the VMX is knocking on the upper level spectrum for quality, sound and features...truly a rare instance in my opinion where you get MUCH more than you pay for!

[pearlygates]

I'm not real sure that a VMX can be tagged an intermediate set. The line between intermediate and pro level (short of a few simple ups)with regards to the VMX are very blurred!

[NYR Fan]

If you decide to upgrade to a 2.3 hoop and RIMS style mounting or Optis's, that makes your VMX a hybrid SMX because of the thicker shelled BD and FT. I, and many others own Sessions kits on this Forum and will tell you without pause, SMX kits are not intermediate; they are PRO! So that would, without a doubt, make the VMX a pro level kit.

[pearlygates]

^^^Precisely!

[yohin]

Thanks everyone. But what is it that makes the 6 piece VMX $1300? You can get a 5 piece Gretsch Renown for $1000 and it's got die cast hoops and a better mounting system than ISS, with NA shells.

[NYR Fan]

Thanks everyone. But what is it that makes the 6 piece VMX $1300? You can get a 5 piece Gretsch Renown for $1000 and it's got die cast hoops and a better mounting system than ISS, with NA shells.

That's pretty pricey for a VMX. Is that coming with hardware? As for the Renown; I priced those kits awhile back before I picked up my Sessions kit, I couldn't find one for a $G?

[DarkNostril]

Thanks everyone. But what is it that makes the 6 piece VMX $1300? You can get a 5 piece Gretsch Renown for $1000 and it's got die cast hoops and a better mounting system than ISS, with NA shells.

Renowns are on sale right now because some retailers are liquidating last year's shell packs (Drumsonsale.com comes to mind). A 16" floor tom can definitely add $300 to kits of that caliber.

[yohin]

That's pretty pricey for a VMX. Is that coming with hardware? As for the Renown; I priced those kits awhile back before I picked up my Sessions kit, I couldn't find one for a $G?

http://drums-percussion.musiciansfri...ack?sku=483383

Vision VMX 6-piece shell pack. 10, 12, 14, 16, 22, 14. $1320, plus $200 (rounded up) to replace all stock heads, plus whatever it takes to replace the hoops and ISS mounts. $1500 is my max. price including everything except hardware and cymbals, so that doesn't look like it'll work. Don't get me wrong, it seems like a great kit. Just overpriced, especially with the 1.6 mm flanged hoops.

[pearlygates]

As much as I love Pearl, I cut my teeth on Gretsch drums and I will agree with anyone who says the Gretsch Renowns are just a better kit value than the VMX

For my money, it'd be the Gretsch in a heartbeat over the VMX..especially with the discounted shellys

[VL1]

I bought my VMX 6 piece shell pack about the same price. And VMX only comes with shell pack. So that means you have to buy the hardware. Just add on stuff slowly. I would buy the heads later and use the stock heads first if the budget is your concern. And do you have a set of cymbals? If not, you need a bit more extra cash than 1500. It took me 2 years to complete my drum set. And there're still a few pieces left. So add on slowly.

[pearlygates]

Nice thing about the Gretsch Renowns vs the VMX is:

#1, The Gretschs come stock with 2.5mm tri flange hoops on all the drums
The VMX comes with rather wimpy 1.6mm hoops.

#2, The Gretsch comes stock with pro level GTS suspension for the rack toms
(same suspension as used on the mega buck USA custom)
The VMX comes stock with I.S.S.

#3, The Gretsch Renowns come stock with Evans G2 coated/G1 clear batter
heads and an EMAD kick batter (I know..heads are a personal preference..)
The VMX comes with Pearl protone heads..not bad, but the Evans are far
better IMHO.

My conclusion is this..
Out of the box, the Gretsch is good to go without having to slap down any more greenbacks for suspension/hoopage or [unless you cant stand the G2/G1 combo] heads

I have played the Gretsch Renowns and will say that they are a true working pro kit! I am not knocking Pearl at all here. I own Pearl drums and LOVE them! I will say however that for what you are getting ...and the fact that the Gretsch will cost you less from the get-go & in the long run... it'd be the Gretsch for me hands DOWN.

I don't want to raise the hackles of all you VMX owners out there, I am confident that the VMX is a great kit..It's a Pearl after all!

[audiotech]

Nice thing about the Gretsch Renowns vs the VMX is:

#1, The Gretschs come stock with 2.5mm tri flange hoops on all the drums
The VMX comes with rather wimpy 1.6mm hoops.

I don't know about the Gretsch hoops you're talking about, but my Gretsch Renowns came with Die-cast hoops on the toms and snare.






Dennis

[pearlygates]

^^^One picture is worth a thousand words^^^

Yes, I stand corrected on the hoops! 2.5mm triflange are stock on Catalinas. My bad!
I used to own a Purewood Mahogany! DUH!

[thatbazookaguy]

^^^One picture is worth a thousand words^^^

Yes, I stand corrected on the hoops! 2.5mm triflange are stock on Catalinas. My bad!
I used to own a Purewood Mahogany! DUH!

I loved that kit! why did you have to sell it?